february 2025 |
Everything written by Spiritual Warfare 2025 unless otherwise noted. Some content may not be endorsed by this site, but is there for information only.
ED NOTE=Spiritual Warfare 2025 |
cultural Apologetics |
“The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.” -John 7:18
February 4, 2025:
The Evangelical Christians and Israeli Settlers backing Trump
Later today President Trump will welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, the first foreign leader to visit him in the Oval Office. Maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza will be at the top of their agenda. But Mr Netanyahu has also been meeting with prominent Evangelical Christians. They are a powerful constituency in America and their interpretation of the Bible has made them resolute allies of Israel. They believe that the Jewish people have a God-given right to all the land – including the West Bank – which is internationally recognised as Palestinian territory. (Channel 4 2/4/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Later today President Trump will welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, the first foreign leader to visit him in the Oval Office. Maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza will be at the top of their agenda. But Mr Netanyahu has also been meeting with prominent Evangelical Christians. They are a powerful constituency in America and their interpretation of the Bible has made them resolute allies of Israel. They believe that the Jewish people have a God-given right to all the land – including the West Bank – which is internationally recognised as Palestinian territory. (Channel 4 2/4/25) READ MORE>>>>>
February 3, 2025:
Netanyahu meets Evangelical American leaders in Washington
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wrapped up a meeting with Evangelical American community leaders in Washington. Those in attendance included former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is US President Donald Trump’s nominee to become the next US ambassador to Israel. Jewish Insider reported earlier today that Netanyahu is not currently scheduled to meet with American Jewish leaders, with whom he has had a rockier relationship over the years. (Times of Israel 2/3/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wrapped up a meeting with Evangelical American community leaders in Washington. Those in attendance included former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is US President Donald Trump’s nominee to become the next US ambassador to Israel. Jewish Insider reported earlier today that Netanyahu is not currently scheduled to meet with American Jewish leaders, with whom he has had a rockier relationship over the years. (Times of Israel 2/3/25) READ MORE>>>>>
“The more enlightened we are the more greatness and vileness we discover in man.” --Blaise Pascal
The Way I See It: February 2, 2025:

According to right wing ideologue, Ben Zeisloft, the magazine "Christianity Today "was once a bastion for evangelical cultural and political commentary." Not anymore, he says.. Why? Because executive editor Marvin Olasky sent an email to contributors seeking stories related to immigration policy. This is according to Daily Wire's Megan Basham, who says “He is not asking for stories of families or individuals who have been negatively impacted by immigration." And here is the "noble" reasoning she uses to buttress her judgement: “The secular media will then pick up these stories and amplify them, citing Christianity Today’s coverage as proof that Trump‘s Christian base is revolting.”
Anyway, Zeisloft fells that if they don't ask things that are pro-Maga, then they are automatically the enemy. (So make sure you report how much you like a particular song, to make sure to report why you know people don't.
But here's the foundation of his thoughts on this: "The progressives who cannot stand the Christian faith and its implications for culture, seek to weaponize legitimate categories of Christian compassion and love for the stranger, flattening those categories to morally guilt Christians into accepting mass immigration while ignoring the natural and Christian duties of protecting one’s family, people, and homeland." See the problem? Anyone who does not think like he does and offers descent is "weaponizing" themselves. I sense an anger problem. He must have torn out a few pages of his "Right wing Conservative" approved version of the Bible that says: A"Ephesians 4:31-32: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (But I assume his Bible version has a gold embossed stamp on it that says "Donald Trump dies for your sins."
He adds that "Christianity Today has a clear financial incentive to impose a left-wing frame on everything they do. They receive massive cash infusions, and the leftist corporate and political establishment receives the chance to undermine Christian conservative political consciousness." And the "good news" he writes, "is that Christianity Today continues to lose credibility as a result, with conservatives realizing the grift and refusing to be emotionally guilted."
Why? Because credibility does not resist unless it comes first from Donald Trump...the man who has spent a lifetime fabricating pretty much everything he has claimed he has done. Magas are impressed with conservative perspectives. But even more impressed with Donald Trump's lies.
Anyway, Zeisloft fells that if they don't ask things that are pro-Maga, then they are automatically the enemy. (So make sure you report how much you like a particular song, to make sure to report why you know people don't.
But here's the foundation of his thoughts on this: "The progressives who cannot stand the Christian faith and its implications for culture, seek to weaponize legitimate categories of Christian compassion and love for the stranger, flattening those categories to morally guilt Christians into accepting mass immigration while ignoring the natural and Christian duties of protecting one’s family, people, and homeland." See the problem? Anyone who does not think like he does and offers descent is "weaponizing" themselves. I sense an anger problem. He must have torn out a few pages of his "Right wing Conservative" approved version of the Bible that says: A"Ephesians 4:31-32: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (But I assume his Bible version has a gold embossed stamp on it that says "Donald Trump dies for your sins."
He adds that "Christianity Today has a clear financial incentive to impose a left-wing frame on everything they do. They receive massive cash infusions, and the leftist corporate and political establishment receives the chance to undermine Christian conservative political consciousness." And the "good news" he writes, "is that Christianity Today continues to lose credibility as a result, with conservatives realizing the grift and refusing to be emotionally guilted."
Why? Because credibility does not resist unless it comes first from Donald Trump...the man who has spent a lifetime fabricating pretty much everything he has claimed he has done. Magas are impressed with conservative perspectives. But even more impressed with Donald Trump's lies.
“The theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. The theologian of the cross calls a thing what it is.”
--Martin Luther; Heidelberg Disputation
--Martin Luther; Heidelberg Disputation
January 31, 2025:
JD Vance Spars With UK Podcaster Over Christianity
Vice President JD Vance has sparred with a U.K. podcaster and former politician, Rory Stewart, on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, over a concept in Christianity. The interaction between the pair started after the vice president did an interview with Fox News. in which he referred to what he called a "Christian concept" about loving one's community and those in one's own country first; while criticizing the "far left," for seeming to "hate the citizens of their own country and care more about people outside their own borders." According to a Gallup survey from 2024, 68 percent of Americans identify with a Christian religion.
(Newsweek 1/31/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Vice President JD Vance has sparred with a U.K. podcaster and former politician, Rory Stewart, on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, over a concept in Christianity. The interaction between the pair started after the vice president did an interview with Fox News. in which he referred to what he called a "Christian concept" about loving one's community and those in one's own country first; while criticizing the "far left," for seeming to "hate the citizens of their own country and care more about people outside their own borders." According to a Gallup survey from 2024, 68 percent of Americans identify with a Christian religion.
(Newsweek 1/31/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 29, 2025:

Christians’ response to immigration — more specifically to immigrants — grows out of the biblical injunction to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, protect the oppressed. Prospects of a wall, a deportation mandate and more never-ending debates on Capitol Hill don’t change that obligation, regardless of politics or preferences. Those are decisions to be made by the government for the benefit of the governed, not by Christ followers for the benefit of the kingdom. Moses and the prophets commanded Israel to treat foreigners among them fairly, generously and with compassion. “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 23:9). --Cheryl Mann Bacon; Christian Courier; Editorial: Serving immigrants in the name of Jesus 1/23/25
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11).
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:17-18).
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:17-18).
January 27, 2025:
Trump will bulldoze church-state separation
A good indication on how church-state issues will play out in Donald Trump’s second presidential term can be found in his shameless hawking of an “Inauguration Day Bible,” part of a merch promotion from which he’s personally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties. In marketing this book ($69.99, not including shipping) Trump has insisted, “We must make America pray again.” This unsavory mix of church, state and personal hucksterism foretells how brazenly we can expect Trump to continue to exploit religion and pander to his base of white evangelicals, 82% of whom voted for him. (Hawaii Tribune 1/27/25) READ MORE>>>>>
A good indication on how church-state issues will play out in Donald Trump’s second presidential term can be found in his shameless hawking of an “Inauguration Day Bible,” part of a merch promotion from which he’s personally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties. In marketing this book ($69.99, not including shipping) Trump has insisted, “We must make America pray again.” This unsavory mix of church, state and personal hucksterism foretells how brazenly we can expect Trump to continue to exploit religion and pander to his base of white evangelicals, 82% of whom voted for him. (Hawaii Tribune 1/27/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Immigration raids now allowed in churches: Policy change
The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that churches will no longer be shielded from immigration enforcement actions. This marks the end of the long-standing “sensitive areas” policy, which had protected places of worship, schools, and other community institutions from immigration raids since at least 1993. Reverend Jim Rigby of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin expressed little surprise at the change, citing his congregation’s history of advocacy for immigrants, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and abortion rights. “We’re just going to be a targeted church,” Rigby said, referencing the sanctuary his church provided to immigrants during Donald Trump’s first administration. (Faith On View1/27/25) READ MORE>>>>>
The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that churches will no longer be shielded from immigration enforcement actions. This marks the end of the long-standing “sensitive areas” policy, which had protected places of worship, schools, and other community institutions from immigration raids since at least 1993. Reverend Jim Rigby of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin expressed little surprise at the change, citing his congregation’s history of advocacy for immigrants, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and abortion rights. “We’re just going to be a targeted church,” Rigby said, referencing the sanctuary his church provided to immigrants during Donald Trump’s first administration. (Faith On View1/27/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 25, 2025:
Christian acquitted of blasphemy after being jailed 19 months
A Christian woman falsely accused of blasphemy and jailed for 19 months has been acquitted, according to the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom International. A judge in Nigeria’s Bauchi state disclosed in December 2024 the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau, ADF International announced and the news outlets Christian Daily International and Morning Star News reported. Jatau was arrested in May 2022 and was not granted bail until December 2023. She was accused of sharing a video on WhatsApp that condemned the May 2022 killing of college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. Muslim classmates in Sokoto killed Yakubu for telling people about Jesus Christ. They then burned her body. (Alabama Baptist 1/25/25) READ MORE>>>>>
A Christian woman falsely accused of blasphemy and jailed for 19 months has been acquitted, according to the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom International. A judge in Nigeria’s Bauchi state disclosed in December 2024 the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau, ADF International announced and the news outlets Christian Daily International and Morning Star News reported. Jatau was arrested in May 2022 and was not granted bail until December 2023. She was accused of sharing a video on WhatsApp that condemned the May 2022 killing of college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. Muslim classmates in Sokoto killed Yakubu for telling people about Jesus Christ. They then burned her body. (Alabama Baptist 1/25/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 23, 2025: QUOTE-BYTE BY
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at Trumps inauguration last monday:
Let me make one final plea, Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor at poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands, to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger for we will all want strangers in this land. May God grant us the strength and courage. To honor the dignity of every human being. To speak the truth to one another in love. And walk humbly with each other and our God. For the good of all people. Good of all people in this nation. And the world.
Let me make one final plea, Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor at poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands, to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger for we will all want strangers in this land. May God grant us the strength and courage. To honor the dignity of every human being. To speak the truth to one another in love. And walk humbly with each other and our God. For the good of all people. Good of all people in this nation. And the world.
"Life is the sum total of what we give our attention to."
January 22, 2025: The Way I See It:

A guy named Harvey Burnett says he was asked by people in his congregation: "Since these fires have devastated what has otherwise been known as strongholds of liberal thought and lifestyle of the rich, and many of who disdain God and Biblical morality, could these fires possibly be the judgement of God?"
He moved toward saying no, but having to qualify that his blog, The Dunamis Word, does not preach any "liberal talking points" but did answer rightly with: "We don't place God on the platform of a social vigilante. God is God. He is a savior and a true judge and he raises up one and sets down another at his bidding (Ps.75.:7) and in his due time for his own purpose. All them that have embraced evil, will be handled. The whole world is ultimately subject to his will. With that said, it amazes me to see how many, alleged Christians, can view destruction, loss and suffering of others who have views of morality that they oppose, as an opportunity to point towards and uphold their own self-righteousness, and further use the suffering of other individuals as an opportunity to contend that "God is speaking" and, I suppose, because the wealthy suffer, "God now means business" and we suddenly need to listen more intently."
He continues: "Yes, we will pay a price as a nation for over 63 million murders of babies through and by abortion. Yes, we will pay a price for the promotion of homosexuality and now the normalization of transsexuality which encourages the mutilation of children. Yes, I could name many sins, that America has embraced, actions, ways and moral positions that are against God and godliness, and totally unworthy of his blessings...However, with all of that said, God's WORD affirms:
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? ~ Ezek. 33:11".
When qualifying the fact that he doesn't preach liberal talking points, my immediate assumption was this was going to be a Christian Nationalist type response. But in the end he rightly wrote "When The REAL and FINAL Judgment of God comes, it will be inescapable." I can agree with that and set aside some immediate prejudices I have acquired along the way.
He moved toward saying no, but having to qualify that his blog, The Dunamis Word, does not preach any "liberal talking points" but did answer rightly with: "We don't place God on the platform of a social vigilante. God is God. He is a savior and a true judge and he raises up one and sets down another at his bidding (Ps.75.:7) and in his due time for his own purpose. All them that have embraced evil, will be handled. The whole world is ultimately subject to his will. With that said, it amazes me to see how many, alleged Christians, can view destruction, loss and suffering of others who have views of morality that they oppose, as an opportunity to point towards and uphold their own self-righteousness, and further use the suffering of other individuals as an opportunity to contend that "God is speaking" and, I suppose, because the wealthy suffer, "God now means business" and we suddenly need to listen more intently."
He continues: "Yes, we will pay a price as a nation for over 63 million murders of babies through and by abortion. Yes, we will pay a price for the promotion of homosexuality and now the normalization of transsexuality which encourages the mutilation of children. Yes, I could name many sins, that America has embraced, actions, ways and moral positions that are against God and godliness, and totally unworthy of his blessings...However, with all of that said, God's WORD affirms:
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? ~ Ezek. 33:11".
When qualifying the fact that he doesn't preach liberal talking points, my immediate assumption was this was going to be a Christian Nationalist type response. But in the end he rightly wrote "When The REAL and FINAL Judgment of God comes, it will be inescapable." I can agree with that and set aside some immediate prejudices I have acquired along the way.
January 22, 2025: The Way I See It:

On a blog he calls "Culture Watch," Bill Muehlenberg wrote: "we know that righteousness exalts a nation. Some political leaders are far better than others. Trump will be a marked contrast to Joe, Kamala and the Dems. Whether he is a real deal Christian is not clear. But God can use people who are not believers to achieve his ends." But James wrote: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26.
We know Donald Trump has no control over his tongue...except maybe to lie...but, really, he isn't even very good at that. Muehlenberg goes through a litany of things which he seems to claim qualify Donald Trump:
Pulling out of the Paris Agreement.
-Making America energy independent.
-Deleting woke and DEI agendas.
-The federal government declaring that there are only two genders, male and female.
-Saying no to the trans activists.
-Taking down the pro-abortion HHS website.
-Pulling the US out of WHO.
-Dealing with the wide-open borders, making them secure to protect American citizens.
-Deportations are happening right now under border czar Tom Homan and Co.
-Ending the weaponization of the justice system.
-A return to a better and stronger foreign policy.
-Reinstating all military personnel with full back pay who were discharged for not taking the jab.
-Restoring the American economy.
-Lifting federal restrictions on free speech and affirming the First Amendment.
-78 executive actions of Biden gone with the stroke of a pen.
However, Trump's "stroke of a pen" actually did nothing. The results remain to be seen. Trump may think he is a king but he is not...even though the Maga Republicans seem OK with him being one....and someone like Mike Johnson treats him like he is. Muehlenberg seems to be making a case for what Trump said and contrasting it with the number of executive orders he put out. And they are not the same as accomplishing anything.
The oddest thing in Muhlenberg's list: -Lifting federal restrictions on free speech and affirming the First Amendment. There were federal restrictions??? Where??
He also suggested that Trump has powerful Christian influence because a group of them prayed for Trump. People should praying. All Christian should be praying for those in authority..regardless of the beliefs of the one in charge.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 it states "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Too many American evangelicals seem to be praying for spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare will come...but I don't know that I would pray for it to come. It will on it's own.
We know Donald Trump has no control over his tongue...except maybe to lie...but, really, he isn't even very good at that. Muehlenberg goes through a litany of things which he seems to claim qualify Donald Trump:
Pulling out of the Paris Agreement.
-Making America energy independent.
-Deleting woke and DEI agendas.
-The federal government declaring that there are only two genders, male and female.
-Saying no to the trans activists.
-Taking down the pro-abortion HHS website.
-Pulling the US out of WHO.
-Dealing with the wide-open borders, making them secure to protect American citizens.
-Deportations are happening right now under border czar Tom Homan and Co.
-Ending the weaponization of the justice system.
-A return to a better and stronger foreign policy.
-Reinstating all military personnel with full back pay who were discharged for not taking the jab.
-Restoring the American economy.
-Lifting federal restrictions on free speech and affirming the First Amendment.
-78 executive actions of Biden gone with the stroke of a pen.
However, Trump's "stroke of a pen" actually did nothing. The results remain to be seen. Trump may think he is a king but he is not...even though the Maga Republicans seem OK with him being one....and someone like Mike Johnson treats him like he is. Muehlenberg seems to be making a case for what Trump said and contrasting it with the number of executive orders he put out. And they are not the same as accomplishing anything.
The oddest thing in Muhlenberg's list: -Lifting federal restrictions on free speech and affirming the First Amendment. There were federal restrictions??? Where??
He also suggested that Trump has powerful Christian influence because a group of them prayed for Trump. People should praying. All Christian should be praying for those in authority..regardless of the beliefs of the one in charge.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 it states "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Too many American evangelicals seem to be praying for spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare will come...but I don't know that I would pray for it to come. It will on it's own.
January 21, 2025:
Exposed: How Christianity Today Intends To Manipulate Christians With Trump Back In Office
Donald Trump is back in office and that means mass deportations are on the menu. Trump’s day one executive orders tackled anchor babies, militarizing the border, and drug cartels. However, not everyone in Christian media is happy about this. As Evangelical Dark Web has long cataloged, Evangelical leaders have been working with Soros backed open-borders organizations. Christian Post was lobbying for amnesty in light of Trump’s victory. Russell Moore who has long been an open borders advocate is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, and his outlet intends to manipulate believers into caving on their convictions regarding immigration.
(Evangelical Dark Web 1/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Donald Trump is back in office and that means mass deportations are on the menu. Trump’s day one executive orders tackled anchor babies, militarizing the border, and drug cartels. However, not everyone in Christian media is happy about this. As Evangelical Dark Web has long cataloged, Evangelical leaders have been working with Soros backed open-borders organizations. Christian Post was lobbying for amnesty in light of Trump’s victory. Russell Moore who has long been an open borders advocate is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, and his outlet intends to manipulate believers into caving on their convictions regarding immigration.
(Evangelical Dark Web 1/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Pastor Lorenzo Rosales, released from prison in Cuba
Cuban Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was released from Mar Verde prison on 17 January as part of a mass amnesty following the US announcement that it would remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, reports the religious freedom advocacy group CSW in a statement. The information has also been confirmed by Diario de Cuba, which includes the pastor's name on the list of the first people released by the Cuban regime. Pastor Rosales Fajardo was violently arrested along with hundreds of others after participating in peaceful protests that took place across Cuba on 11 July 2021. (Evangelical Focus 1/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Cuban Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was released from Mar Verde prison on 17 January as part of a mass amnesty following the US announcement that it would remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, reports the religious freedom advocacy group CSW in a statement. The information has also been confirmed by Diario de Cuba, which includes the pastor's name on the list of the first people released by the Cuban regime. Pastor Rosales Fajardo was violently arrested along with hundreds of others after participating in peaceful protests that took place across Cuba on 11 July 2021. (Evangelical Focus 1/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 20, 2025:
Comparing Trump to biblical kings troubles some people of faith
For years, the question 'What would Jesus do?' was on the lips of some Christians. The rhetorical question was meant to help believers think about their actions toward others, a kind of ethical shorthand. However, since the advent of Donald Trump onto the political scene, a number of religious leaders have turned to more obscure biblical figures for models of leadership. Lance Wallnau is a conservative evangelical Christian preacher in Dallas. He refers to Trump in sermons and at rallies as a modern version of the 6th Century BCE Persian king Cyrus. (Delaware Public 1/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
For years, the question 'What would Jesus do?' was on the lips of some Christians. The rhetorical question was meant to help believers think about their actions toward others, a kind of ethical shorthand. However, since the advent of Donald Trump onto the political scene, a number of religious leaders have turned to more obscure biblical figures for models of leadership. Lance Wallnau is a conservative evangelical Christian preacher in Dallas. He refers to Trump in sermons and at rallies as a modern version of the 6th Century BCE Persian king Cyrus. (Delaware Public 1/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Hello, Paula White
There are several reasons Trump cozied up with this particular group of MAGA Christian nationalists. Their unwavering loyalty and commitment to praising him as God’s chosen candidate probably helped, as did their televangelist showmanship. But a lot of his personal favor had to do with Paula White, his personal spiritual adviser and a member of the cohort. According to White, Trump called her up two decades ago when he saw her on television, preaching the prosperity gospel. Trump thought she had “the ‘it’ factor.” Years later, she would tell Trump that God approved of his plans to run for president; years after that, she would deliver the invocation at his inauguration. (Slate 1/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
There are several reasons Trump cozied up with this particular group of MAGA Christian nationalists. Their unwavering loyalty and commitment to praising him as God’s chosen candidate probably helped, as did their televangelist showmanship. But a lot of his personal favor had to do with Paula White, his personal spiritual adviser and a member of the cohort. According to White, Trump called her up two decades ago when he saw her on television, preaching the prosperity gospel. Trump thought she had “the ‘it’ factor.” Years later, she would tell Trump that God approved of his plans to run for president; years after that, she would deliver the invocation at his inauguration. (Slate 1/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 17, 2025: QUOTE-BYTE:

The “religionization” of politics has led many believers to elevate political stances to the level of doctrinal orthodoxy—such that they become litmus tests for Christian identity. This, in turn, has led to us publicly question the faith of those who have differing views from us and to reduce complex individuals to political caricatures. Increasingly, evangelical Christians on both sides of the aisle have become emboldened to say that anyone who disagrees with them on certain hot-button issues is not a true Christian at all. We often judge a person’s faith on whether they think the “right” way or support the “right” person. But politics has not just become a religion—it’s become an apocalyptic religion. Some
evangelical Christians have come to justify any behavior necessary to “win” a political battle or election, including dehumanizing political opponents and even fellow believers.
--Alexandra Hudson; It's Time for a New Era of Christian Civility 1/17/25
evangelical Christians have come to justify any behavior necessary to “win” a political battle or election, including dehumanizing political opponents and even fellow believers.
--Alexandra Hudson; It's Time for a New Era of Christian Civility 1/17/25
January 16, 2025: Z-Note:

--FOR THOSE CHRISTIANS WHO STRUGGLE:
For you folks who may be struggling with your relationship with God, you need to come to a point where you realize that there is nothing you can do. When Jesus said it is finished, he meant it is finished.. He will take care of the details. Also, the source for most problems when it comes to reconciling ourselves to Jesus is in our head. "In our head" is a major battleground. Take notice as you struggle that no one has to say anything and God does not pronounce you as "too troubled to deal with"...and instead you react to the voices in your own mind. Present yourself as a living sacrifice and, truly: He will take care of all the details. Draw near to Him and He WILL draw near unto you. I have been studying and meditating on Psalm 1 this week and though it is a short chapter in Psalms it says a whole lot: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Let God take you to a place where you delight in the word and you do not use it to beat yourself up with it, as many Christians do. And always remember the words of Jesus Christ: It is finished. Try as you may there is NOTHING you can do...and the good news, and why it is called good news, is that Jesus did it for you.
For you folks who may be struggling with your relationship with God, you need to come to a point where you realize that there is nothing you can do. When Jesus said it is finished, he meant it is finished.. He will take care of the details. Also, the source for most problems when it comes to reconciling ourselves to Jesus is in our head. "In our head" is a major battleground. Take notice as you struggle that no one has to say anything and God does not pronounce you as "too troubled to deal with"...and instead you react to the voices in your own mind. Present yourself as a living sacrifice and, truly: He will take care of all the details. Draw near to Him and He WILL draw near unto you. I have been studying and meditating on Psalm 1 this week and though it is a short chapter in Psalms it says a whole lot: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Let God take you to a place where you delight in the word and you do not use it to beat yourself up with it, as many Christians do. And always remember the words of Jesus Christ: It is finished. Try as you may there is NOTHING you can do...and the good news, and why it is called good news, is that Jesus did it for you.
January 16, 2025:
Not a Single Senator Probed the Most Dangerous Part of Pete Hegseth’s Background: His Ties to White Christian Nationalism
It’s hard to find strong enough adjectives to describe the unmitigated disaster the senate hearing on Pete Hegseth truly was. Even the few Republicans who had expressed previous concerns about his nomination for Secretary of Defense handled him with kid gloves. There were some strong challenges by Democratic senators focused on the important issues of Hegseth’s disparagement of women in the armed forces; his alleged drinking on the job; allegations of sexual assault and misconduct; his poor performance in his only management positions running two small nonprofit veterans organizations; and lack of any relevant experience for the massive responsibilities of the job for which he is being considered. But not a single senator from either side of the aisle probed the most dangerous part of Hegseth’s background: his support for Christian nationalism, a set of beliefs that undermine the bedrock principles of a racially and religiously pluralistic democracy.
(Faith On View 1/16/25) READ MORE>>>>>
It’s hard to find strong enough adjectives to describe the unmitigated disaster the senate hearing on Pete Hegseth truly was. Even the few Republicans who had expressed previous concerns about his nomination for Secretary of Defense handled him with kid gloves. There were some strong challenges by Democratic senators focused on the important issues of Hegseth’s disparagement of women in the armed forces; his alleged drinking on the job; allegations of sexual assault and misconduct; his poor performance in his only management positions running two small nonprofit veterans organizations; and lack of any relevant experience for the massive responsibilities of the job for which he is being considered. But not a single senator from either side of the aisle probed the most dangerous part of Hegseth’s background: his support for Christian nationalism, a set of beliefs that undermine the bedrock principles of a racially and religiously pluralistic democracy.
(Faith On View 1/16/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 13, 2025:
Truth Matters
Last week, Mark Zuckerberg announced he would eliminate fact-checkers from Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Threads. He insinuated that fact-checkers have a history of liberal bias, which angered people on the far right in American society. So, like the decree of an ancient ruler, necessary guardrails on popular social media platforms, with over 3 billion users worldwide, will vanish into the cultural landscape.
This is disquieting in our politically divided, highly polarized society. Truth and facts are essential in any healthy society. They are critical to our strength and mutual flourishing.
(Good Faith Media 1/13/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Last week, Mark Zuckerberg announced he would eliminate fact-checkers from Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Threads. He insinuated that fact-checkers have a history of liberal bias, which angered people on the far right in American society. So, like the decree of an ancient ruler, necessary guardrails on popular social media platforms, with over 3 billion users worldwide, will vanish into the cultural landscape.
This is disquieting in our politically divided, highly polarized society. Truth and facts are essential in any healthy society. They are critical to our strength and mutual flourishing.
(Good Faith Media 1/13/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 12, 2025:
White Christian nationalists are poised to remake America in their image during Trump’s second term, author says
There’s an image that captures the threat posed by the White Christian nationalist movement — and how it could become even more dangerous over the next four years. Taken during the Jan. 6 insurrection, the photo shows a solitary White man, his head pressed in prayer against a massive wooden cross, facing the domed US Capitol building. An American flag stands like a sentinel on a flagpole beside the Capitol under an ominously gray sky.
The photograph depicts a foot soldier in an insurgent religious movement trying to storm the halls of American power. What’s unsettling about the photo four years later is that much of the religious zeal that fed the insurrection is no longer outside the gates of power. Many of that movement’s followers are now on the inside, because their Chosen One, Donald Trump, returns this month to the Oval Office.
(CNN 1/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
There’s an image that captures the threat posed by the White Christian nationalist movement — and how it could become even more dangerous over the next four years. Taken during the Jan. 6 insurrection, the photo shows a solitary White man, his head pressed in prayer against a massive wooden cross, facing the domed US Capitol building. An American flag stands like a sentinel on a flagpole beside the Capitol under an ominously gray sky.
The photograph depicts a foot soldier in an insurgent religious movement trying to storm the halls of American power. What’s unsettling about the photo four years later is that much of the religious zeal that fed the insurrection is no longer outside the gates of power. Many of that movement’s followers are now on the inside, because their Chosen One, Donald Trump, returns this month to the Oval Office.
(CNN 1/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Franklin Graham to Newsmax: Samaritan's Purse Helping LA Fire Victims
Samaritan's Purse is preparing for a major response to needy California residents in the wake of wild fires that have devastated the Los Angeles area. "Right now we just have to wait till the fires are contained and are out before we can do anything," Rev. Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, told Newsmax's "The Record With Greta Van Susteren." Graham said his organization is already prepping teams of volunteers to help. The fires have been the worst ever to hit the state of California. More than 12,000 homes and properties have been destroyed as hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
(Newsmax; 1/12/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Samaritan's Purse is preparing for a major response to needy California residents in the wake of wild fires that have devastated the Los Angeles area. "Right now we just have to wait till the fires are contained and are out before we can do anything," Rev. Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, told Newsmax's "The Record With Greta Van Susteren." Graham said his organization is already prepping teams of volunteers to help. The fires have been the worst ever to hit the state of California. More than 12,000 homes and properties have been destroyed as hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
(Newsmax; 1/12/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 11, 2025:
Trump's envoy arrived in Israel to press for Gaza deal before Jan. 20
President-elect Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel on Saturday to push for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, Israeli officials said. Why it matters: Witkoff's traveled to Israel from Qatar as part of a last-minute effort by Trump to press all parties involved in the negotiations to conclude the deal before Jan. 20. Trump has threatened there would be "hell to pay in the Middle East" if Hamas didn't release the hostages by the time he is inaugurated. (Axios 1/11/25) Read More>>>>>
President-elect Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel on Saturday to push for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, Israeli officials said. Why it matters: Witkoff's traveled to Israel from Qatar as part of a last-minute effort by Trump to press all parties involved in the negotiations to conclude the deal before Jan. 20. Trump has threatened there would be "hell to pay in the Middle East" if Hamas didn't release the hostages by the time he is inaugurated. (Axios 1/11/25) Read More>>>>>
ADL Chief Invokes Pager Attack as Inspiration for Taking on Internet Trolls
Amid the parade of self-congratulations for all the “winning” going on out there, it was easy to miss the head of one the most prominent U.S. pro-Israel groups, the Anti-Defamation League, admitting to Israel’s parliament that it has been failing on one important front: the fight against global antisemitism. “Nobody likes to admit when they’ve fallen short,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, told the Knesset on Tuesday, according to eJewishPhilanthropy. “I don’t like to lose. I personally hate to lose. However, sometimes we need to acknowledge the reality.” The reality was stark: Antisemitism, Greenblatt said, is on the rise, especially online. The admission was a stunning one, since the ADL was founded to fight antisemitism. That is the banner under which all of its vociferous advocacy for Israel occurs. So for the group to fail in this way raises big questions — questions that need big answers. (The Intercept 1/11/25) Read More>>>>>
Amid the parade of self-congratulations for all the “winning” going on out there, it was easy to miss the head of one the most prominent U.S. pro-Israel groups, the Anti-Defamation League, admitting to Israel’s parliament that it has been failing on one important front: the fight against global antisemitism. “Nobody likes to admit when they’ve fallen short,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, told the Knesset on Tuesday, according to eJewishPhilanthropy. “I don’t like to lose. I personally hate to lose. However, sometimes we need to acknowledge the reality.” The reality was stark: Antisemitism, Greenblatt said, is on the rise, especially online. The admission was a stunning one, since the ADL was founded to fight antisemitism. That is the banner under which all of its vociferous advocacy for Israel occurs. So for the group to fail in this way raises big questions — questions that need big answers. (The Intercept 1/11/25) Read More>>>>>
Pope assures spiritual closeness to LA fire victims
In a message sent through his Secretary of State to the archbishop of Los Angeles, José Gómez, Pope Francis assures his "spiritual closeness" to all those affected by the fires. "Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency service personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord." Some 180,000 people have been evacuated. The death toll is currently limited to 11 though it is thought it could rise as more victims are discovered. The disaster caused the cancellation of US President Joe Biden's visit to Rome, where he was due to meet Pope Francis on January 10. President Biden, 82, will hand over power to Donald Trump on January 20.
. (Aleteia 1/11/25) READ MORE>>>>>
In a message sent through his Secretary of State to the archbishop of Los Angeles, José Gómez, Pope Francis assures his "spiritual closeness" to all those affected by the fires. "Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency service personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord." Some 180,000 people have been evacuated. The death toll is currently limited to 11 though it is thought it could rise as more victims are discovered. The disaster caused the cancellation of US President Joe Biden's visit to Rome, where he was due to meet Pope Francis on January 10. President Biden, 82, will hand over power to Donald Trump on January 20.
. (Aleteia 1/11/25) READ MORE>>>>>
January 10, 2025:
A long-abandoned Christian theme park sits just off a US highway. Will it rise again?
I climb out of my car atop Pine Hill and for a moment feel like I’ve stepped into a vintage postcard. The city of Waterbury fans out below in muted tones of red brick, oxidized copper, and gray. Behind me is the reason I’m standing here in the bracing cold — a 65-foot-tall and 28-foot-wide cross, the focal point of Holy Land USA.
To a tired child sitting in the backseat of the family car whizzing down the I-84, the towering illuminated cross was a mile marker that was as mysterious as it was foreboding. I must have passed it 100 times: on family vacations, on my way to Camp Ramah and then Camp Tevya, on school field trips to Hartford, and later, when I lived in Brookline, Massachusetts, on my way to visit my parents in Danbury. While it always piqued my curiosity, I had never planned to visit, content to let it remain an enigma — but when your editor asks you to write about one of the landmarks of your youth, it’s hard to resist.
(Times Of Israel 1/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
I climb out of my car atop Pine Hill and for a moment feel like I’ve stepped into a vintage postcard. The city of Waterbury fans out below in muted tones of red brick, oxidized copper, and gray. Behind me is the reason I’m standing here in the bracing cold — a 65-foot-tall and 28-foot-wide cross, the focal point of Holy Land USA.
To a tired child sitting in the backseat of the family car whizzing down the I-84, the towering illuminated cross was a mile marker that was as mysterious as it was foreboding. I must have passed it 100 times: on family vacations, on my way to Camp Ramah and then Camp Tevya, on school field trips to Hartford, and later, when I lived in Brookline, Massachusetts, on my way to visit my parents in Danbury. While it always piqued my curiosity, I had never planned to visit, content to let it remain an enigma — but when your editor asks you to write about one of the landmarks of your youth, it’s hard to resist.
(Times Of Israel 1/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>